PAS state deputy commissioner Mujahid Yusof Rawa dismissed speculation that he had been instigated by certain PKR leaders to propose that PAS should field a candidate in the Penanti by-election.

He said his proposal was based on moral principles in politics and not due to instigation.

Mujahid’s proposal to the PAS and Pakatan leadership yesterday was a shock to many, having come just a few hours after PKR supremo Anwar Ibrahim had said that Pakatan leaders at all levels had set aside their differences to put up a united front for the by-election on May 31

When contacted, PKR state chief Zahrain Md Hashim said Anwar had announced the candidacy of PKR state deputy chief Mansor Othman after the Pakatan presidential council had unanimously agreed on this.

"I can assure you that, come nomination day, it will be PKR contesting Penanti on behalf of Pakatan. Whatever differences that exist now will be (resolved) by then and we will face our rivals as one coalition," he said.

Since the 1999 general election, PKR has traditionally contested Penanti. It falls under the Permatang Pauh parliamentary seat now held by Anwar.